Willie Mitchell, born William Lawrence Mitchell on March 1, 1928, in Ashland, Mississippi, was a renowned American trumpeter, bandleader, record producer, and arranger. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Mitchell began playing the trumpet at the age of eight and later became a prominent figure in the Memphis music scene. He was known for his work with Hi Records, where he played a crucial role in shaping the label's distinctive sound, characterized by churning organ fills, sturdy horn arrangements, and a steady 4/4 drumbeat.

Mitchell's career took off in the mid-1960s when he released several successful singles, including "Soul Serenade," which peaked at number 43 on the UK Singles Chart in 1968. He became a popular concert attraction on U.S. college campuses and continued to release a series of solo albums throughout the decade.

In 1970, following the death of Hi Records founder Joe Cuoghi, Mitchell took over the label, guiding it through its most successful period. He is best known for his collaboration with soul singer Al Green, producing and engineering Green's albums from 1970 to 1976. This partnership resulted in numerous classic hits, including "Let's Stay Together" and "Tired of Being Alone."

Beyond his work with Green, Mitchell produced albums for other notable artists such as Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, and O.V. Wright. He also ran his own independent label, Waylo Records, in the 1980s. Mitchell's final work was producing Solomon Burke's album "Nothing's Impossible," released posthumously in June 2010. Willie Mitchell passed away on January 5, 2010, in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of soul and R&B music.